What is? | Conversant Soundworks - RigSuite: RigScope & RigSculpt

Published: 26.07.2026

What is “RigSuite” from Conversant Soundworks? And what are “RigScope” and “RigSculpt” all about? An attempt at an explanation.

Conversant Soundworks is not a traditional software company, but rather a private “workshop” run by guitarist and artist Steven Converse. Its main offering is RigSuite, a collection of free tools for Windows that help guitarists find and manage their own sound.

The focus is specifically on working with Neural Amp Models (.nam files), a modern technology for digitally emulating guitar amplifiers. The software solves a specific problem: it uses automatic analysis to make large, disorganized collections of virtual amplifiers and effects sortable and immediately ready for use in the studio.


RigSuite: An Overview of Two Programs

The centerpiece of the package is RigSuite. It consists of two separate programs that are closely integrated and work together to optimize the workflow for digital guitar sounds.


1. RigScope: The Analyzer

RigScope is a standalone desktop application that serves as an analysis tool. Instead of requiring the user to listen to hundreds of amp models individually to determine their tonal character, this software does the work. 

It scans folders for .nam models, cabinet impulse responses (.wav), and reverb IRs. It then precisely measures the tonal characteristics of each file. The program writes the results directly into the files’ metadata. It automatically sorts the models into archetypal categories (e.g., by gain structure) and describes the sound in understandable language. This transforms a list of cryptic filenames into a library organized by sound.


2. RigSculpt: The Player and the Rig

RigSculpt is a VST3 plug-in that runs in any standard music production software (DAW). It is much more than just a simple player for the models. It functions as a complete virtual guitar rig.

What sets it apart is its data-driven intelligence: RigSculpt reads the analysis data written by RigScope directly from the files. When a model is loaded, the plug-in immediately “knows” how it sounds and can adjust effects and EQs accordingly. It offers comprehensive signal processing, including:

  • Dual-Rig operation: Two independent amp paths for stereo sounds.
  • Effects pedalboard: Built-in effects such as drive, compressor, chorus, delay, and various reverb types.
  • Tone shaping: A dedicated pickup voicing section before the amp and a detailed 8-band EQ at the output.


Why is the software free?

The software is expressly offered free of charge, even for commercial use in music that is sold. There are no paid versions or hidden subscriptions.

The developer views these tools as his contribution to the open-source community, particularly as a thank-you to Steve Atkinson’s Neural Amp Modeler project, on which the software is technically based. Although development has been made more efficient through the use of modern tools (including AI for engineering tasks), it remains a personal project that can be supported through voluntary contributions (e.g., via Ko-fi), but does not have to be.

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